Palo Alto is, and remains, a model community for the nation with regard to environmental programs and innovation. I strongly support the goals and recommendations of Palo Alto's Climate Control Plan and Zero Waste Plan as well as the Green Building program. I applaud the past City Councils responsible for enacting these programs.

As I describe in my statement on the City's budget deficit, however, the effectiveness and continuation of these plans is placed in great jeopardy by the City's poor finances. If we cannot resolve the issues surrounding the budget and the City's finances, all such programs will be at risk.